Entering into a home renovation means for the next several weeks or months you’re about to be locked into a relationship with a relative stranger for the stress-filled task of performing a lengthy surgery on your most important possession, your largest financial investment, and —perhaps most seriously—an object that is connected to all manner of psychological and emotional triggers.
Many of us are used to thinking negatively about construction.
The home-improvement industry typically receives some of the highest levels of consumer complaints of any industry.
Why?
• Bad experiences are shared more often than good ones.
• There are some inept contractors out there.
• There are also scam artist contractors preying on unsuspecting homeowners.
• There are also homeowners trying to rip off contractors (trying to get something for nothing).
But usually—just like in a relationship that’s hit a rough spot—there’s no “villain” per se. There is a lot of fear, ignorance, often a stunning lack of self-knowledge, and poor communication which leads to misaligned expectations and goals. Because there’s so much on the line and so many emotions connected to it perhaps we should treat remodeling with the weight of a marriage commitment:
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and these witnesses, to unite owner and builder in the holy estate of homebuilding. It is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, soberly. It is fitting, therefore, that owner and builder should pledge fidelity one to another in this sacred task. May God bless this house, and have mercy on your souls.
Before you begin, it's important to find a contractor you trust and will feel comfortable working with.
Then it's important to have a plan and accept that not everything will go right.
Overall, once it's done. You will be ecstatic with your newly remodeled home.
Listen to Dean explain it all below:
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